About the SIUC Student Center
Information and Press Releases
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Susan Coriasco
Student Center Marketing and Graphics
Phone – (618) 453-1142
Fax – (618) 453–3492
Date of Release: February 6, 2008
Download the International Festival Event Flyer
International Festival is back and it’s even better than ever! The 2008 program of events will begin on Monday, February 11, and continue through Friday, February 15. All events will be located in the SIUC Student Center.
International cuisine will be offered in the Old Main Room from 11 am to 1:30 pm featuring Greek cuisine on Monday followed by Russian on Tuesday, and Irish on Wednesday.
Opening ceremonies begin at 6 pm on Tuesday with the International Programs and Services Reception held in the East International Lounge. The reception hosts the dedication of the Global Gallery, featuring works of art contributed by SIUC international students and includes the announcement of the 1st Annual Study Abroad Photo Contest winners.
The Proclamation takes place in Ballroom D at 7 pm, followed by the 7:30 pm performance of “Tales from the Beijing Opera”. This program features “a selection of comic and dramatic scenes from some of China’s most popular operas performed in both Chinese and English. With a mixture of singing, dancing, music, mime, stage fighting, and acrobatics, this colorful show is fun for audiences of all ages.”
The International Bazaar joins with the Craft Shop’s Valentine Craft Show in the Hall of Fame on Wednesday and Thursday from 10 am to 5 pm. You won’t have to search high and low this year for that perfect gift. Just browse through the selection of jewelry, woven bags, gift baskets, wood crafts, rugs, quilts, tie dye, and candles. Even you can make a hand-made Valentine card or duct tape rose for that special someone.
The most popular program of the festival is always the Food Fair on Wednesday from 11am to 1:30pm. Buy your tickets early at the International Student Council’s information tables on Friday, February 8, or Monday and Tuesday, February 11 and 12, in the first floor north escalator area OR prior to the Proclamation in order to avoid the long lines. Tickets will be available at the door and are still just 50 cents each with most items costing between two and four tickets. Fifteen counties will be cooking up a storm with original recipes, so this may be the closest you’ll come to tasting the “real thing” in southern Illinois!
The College of Mass Communication and Media Arts has joined forces with the festival to show the free film, Rang De Basanti (2006), in the Student Center Auditorium at 7pm on Thursday. The film will be presented by lecturer Jyotsna Kapur.
Friday will bring the festivities to an end, but as always, we’ve saved the best for last! The International Buffet in the Renaissance Room from 5pm to 7pm is hosted by Student Center Dining Services, and will both tempt and satisfy the palate with the international menu. For menu information, visit the International Festival's web page on www.siucstudentcenter.org or call 618-453-3489. Buffet tickets are available at no additional charge by calling the Central Ticket Office (453-3478) located in the 2nd floor of the Student Center. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4pm.
The festival closes the week with the International Cultural Show at 7pm in the Ballrooms. Students from all over the world put their culture on display through singing, dancing, martial arts, fashion, and much more.
The festival is coordinated by the International Student Council and Student Center Special Programs and Center Events with additional sponsorship by International Programs and Services and Undergraduate Student Government. Financial assistance has been provided by the Office of the Chancellor, the Vice Chancellor for Research, and the Fine Arts Committee.
For additional information, visit the International Festival's web page on www.siucstudentcenter.org
